THUNDER BAY — More than 100 businesses in the Thunder Bay area are receiving gifts of personal protective equipment to help them resume operations safely while COVID-19 remains a threat.
It's an initiative of Thunder Bay Ventures, the Community Futures Development Corporation for the Thunder Bay area supported by FedNor.
Packages include face shields, masks, gloves and sanitizing materials sourced and provided by Thunder Bay Ventures.
Many of the supplies were obtained from local businesses including reusable masks from The Whole Nine Yards and hand sanitizer and handwipes made by Microbiate.
Each package is tailored to the needs of the recipient.
Thunder Bay Ventures conducted an online survey last month to determine requirements, and received 105 responses in just over one day.
"Businesses have been grateful for the support," executive director Martin Wyant said.
He added that the last few months have been difficult for many smaller businesses, some of which had to close, and which continue to face an uncertain future.
IG Wealth Management and Uride are also contributing to the project, and are delivering supplies on Monday.
Wyant said additional PPE is still available for businesses with fewer than 20 employees which did not participate in the original survey.
Thunder Bay Ventures will arrange a time for late applicants to pick up packages while supplies last.
Requests may be made through an e-mail message to Zachary@thunderbayventures.com.
